Tijuana, Growth without Progress

by Gustavo Solis

Tijuana is experiencing a housing construction boom partly fueled by Americans seeking more affordable housing options. Rents in Tijuana are among the highest in Mexico, and supply is limited, so it's not uncommon for people to build a house on a vacant plot of land. City officials are proactive about this issue. They work with engineers and geologists to monitor structures at risk of collapse. It also has a program to assist families who relocate from dangerous areas. However, some relocation programs and alternative housing options are only available for residents showing an official deed of ownership. People who live in illegal buildings don't have that document.

The city can only do so much if residents don't protect themselves. Some have spent decades in these neighborhoods and will not leave, even with the landslide risk. Unfortunately, officials cannot remove them by force. That dynamic is one reason Tijuana's infrastructure challenges are so complex.

The situation in Tijuana is not just a matter of financial resources. On the surface, it may seem straightforward, but delving into the details and hearing the stories of those involved, the complexity becomes apparent. People have settled in these hillside communities due to the lack of other affordable housing options. These areas have evolved from a few houses to complete communities with schools and jobs. Their daily concerns revolve around getting to work on time, picking up their children from school, and ensuring they can afford the rent.

With the influx of North Americans, Tijuana is experiencing growth but not progress. The residents are not optimistic about Tijuana's ability to address this issue in the near future. The clock is ticking, and when you factor in the looming threat of climate change, a potential disaster is on the horizon. GS

Gustavo Solis became the Investigative Border Reporter at KPBS in 2021. He was born in Mexico City and grew up in San Diego. He graduated from Columbia University’s School of Journalism in 2013 and has worked in New York City, Miami, Palm Springs, Los Angeles, and San Diego. In 2018, he was part of a team of reporters who shared a Pulitzer Prize for explanatory journalism.